DS - Creating Digital Stories

Our imagination always outpaces our technology. The gap between the two is the distance the creative spark must jump in order to ignite our forward momentum. [Source:Dr. Jason Ohler, Keynotes]

An essential component, once the story has been written, is to create a storyboard or story table. There are many sites that provide pdf or downloadable samples. There are also Web 2.0 tools that can be used to create these maps to create and produce the media elements for the story. OSAPAC software licensed by the Ministry of Education can also be used for this purpose - Bitstrips and Comic life provide frames where a story sequence can be mapped out. Powerpoint can also be used as a storyboarding tool with each slide containing the necessary information to develop the story sequence, transitions and media components.

Once the storyboard is completed, it's time to find the tools to create the story. Sometimes, knowing the tool will limit the story so it's best to write and storyboard first, then find the tool or tools you need to create the final product. Dr. Jason Ohler's site provides some information for classroom consideration.

Integrating media literacy into the storytelling process

Author Renee Hobbs writes about a process of teaching media literacy that applies to the creation of digital stories. This adapted template can be used for reviewing Web 2.0 tools (as my own students do in one of my classes) but can be used for the process of accessing, analyzing, creating, reflecting and taking action with digital storytelling. She has some suggested tools for creating media HERE.

Click on one of these links to take you to a page outlining tools and processes for each element of digital storytelling.